Finding the fun in performing
When school is out for summer, children rightly want to have fun. After the stress of SATs, end of term tests and GCSEs, students are looking for a chance to unwind and enjoy themselves.
For parents, especially those that are working, trying to find fun and reasonably priced ways to keep kids entertained over the long summer holiday is a must.
Throughout the UK, Razzamataz Theatre Schools are offering fun and affordable summer schools where youngsters get to experience everything from street dance through to pop singing and traditional West End musical theatre.
Performing arts is a natural way for children to learn while they are having fun. Without them realising it, they are learning enhanced communication skills, developing their imaginations and improving their physicality.
There are almost 50 part-time Razzamataz schools up and down the country and there are a range of summer schools taking place for youngsters between the ages of 4 to 16.
“The performing arts is lovely way for children to improve their confidence, make new friends and have lots of fun,” explains Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz. “Regardless of if they have had any performing arts training before, they will find that the summer schools offer something for everyone and can either inspire a love of the performing arts or improve the skills from those who have previous experience.”
During the week, children and their teachers will work on various songs, dances and drama pieces, together with learning about theatre skills in general. Being given the chance to perform is paramount to building a child’s confidence which is why on the last day, the children will all get the opportunity to perform their showcase to friends and family.
“There are lots of different themes going on within the schools, anything from Grease through to School of Rock,” adds Denise. “The teachers and children will devise the scripts, work on the characters, learn songs and dances and prepare for the final day performance in front of family and friends. It is amazing what they achieve in just one week. The audience is always flabbergasted and it proves just what can be accomplished when children are engaged and having fun.”
For parents, finding options for children during the summer is also challenging which is why Razzamataz is incredibly proud to be one of the fastest growing and most affordable theatre schools in the UK, having shot to prominence after an appearance on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2007.
“The performing arts is incredibly beneficial to help young people build up positive communication skills that will enhance every area of their lives at home, school and beyond,” adds Denise.
To book on to your nearest Razzamataz Summer School, contact the school Principal directly to secure your place. For more information about joining the Razzamataz network as either a teacher or Principal, contact Head of Franchisee Recruitment Suzie McCafferty on E:[email protected] or call 07793 054 233.
A summer of fun and learning with performing arts
- Creativity – Being able to think on your feet, approach tasks from different perspectives and think ‘outside of the box’.
- Confidence – Theatre training gives children practice stepping out of their comfort zone and allows them to make mistakes and learn from them in rehearsal, ultimately leading to increased confidence.
- Problem Solving – Artistic creations are born through the solving of problems.
- Perseverance – A child won’t learn how to perfect a dance, song or drama piece overnight; it will take patience and practice.
- Focus – Research has shown that participation in the arts improves children’s abilities to concentrate and focus in other aspects of their lives.
- Non-Verbal Communication – Through experiences in theatre and dance education, children learn to breakdown the mechanics of body language.
- Receiving Constructive Feedback – Receiving constructive feedback about a performance is a regular part of any arts training.
- Collaboration –Through the arts, children practice working together, sharing responsibility, and compromising with others to accomplish a common goal.
- Dedication – Children develop healthy work habits of being on time for rehearsals and performances, respecting the contributions of others, and putting effort into the success of the final piece.
- Accountability – Children learn that it is important to admit that you made a mistake, take responsibility for it and move on.